DHS insiders open up about Kristi Noem's troubled tenure -- while watching their backs

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's recent departure from her advisory role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in early 2025 has been met with widespread relief among current and former department officials, who are now anonymously detailing a period of significant internal turmoil and operational dysfunction attributed to her leadership. The accounts, shared with major news outlets, paint a picture of a chaotic tenure that hampered the department's mission effectiveness. Multiple DHS insiders, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of professional reprisal, described Noem's advisory period as marked by frequent management upheavals, unclear policy directives, and a disruptive leadership style that created a toxic work environment. They report that her approach often sidelined career professionals and experts, leading to confusion in key operational areas such as border security coordination and cybersecurity preparedness. The internal friction reportedly slowed decision-making processes and demoralized staff, with several senior officials allegedly considering departure during her time in the role. The revelations about Noem's troubled stint at DHS come as she remains a prominent figure in national Republican politics, often mentioned as a potential future vice-presidential candidate. The insider accounts suggest a stark contrast between her public persona as a decisive executive and the internal reality described by those who worked with her at the federal level. The department, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, appears to have entered a period of stabilization following her exit, according to the sources, though they remain cautious about speaking publicly given the politically charged nature of the disclosures.